By 'preemptive" I meant "as Merle was advancing" Yeah - there are many things in this story that don't ring true - ie: marksmenship, riding up on noisy chopper and then tippy-toeing to the building.

I am also not sure what to make of the Governors inability to just let Michone walk away. He seems to feel the need to suppress any and all potential 'political' threats - those that might potentially question his leadership.

Re: Governor going after Michone ---- my assumption is that he doesn't want the word to get out that their town is there and prospering. It's actually a valid concern, hell, Rick and company held a kid hostage in the barn with the thought to kill him for the same reason.

They already explained that in season 1's "Guts" episode. Rick and company have known for awhile......im surprised she just found out considering she had the two chained zombies for so long?

OK, I remember that, just they didn't really play up her getting doused, and her surprise at being ignored suggested to me that this was some new development. Like you say, she already knew about the scent angle.

Unrelated thoughts:
I would think Michone is at risk with zombie guts flowing over her bullet wound - I'm sure that will be ignored.

How did she find the prison, and what prompted her to bring Maggie's shopping basket?

In the Rick vs. Gov. power struggle, I don't think Rick is in a strong position - he has lost TDog, Glen, Lori, and Maggie; Hershel is compromised, and Darryl might be conflicted. Of course he picked up Michone and the two prisoners. The Gov has Merle, has lost 3 foot soldiers, and the rest of his forces are ill-defined - but is better armed.